Film + Live Orchestra
JURASSIC PARK™ IN CONCERT
Friday-Saturday, September 20-21, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Jason Seber, guest conductor
This action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Now you can experience Jurassic Park as never before, projected on the big screen at the Kauffman Center with your Kansas City Symphony performing John Williams’ iconic score live. An epic film 65 million years in the making. Welcome…to Jurassic Park!
Jurassic Park: © Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
One special evening featuring the legendary
DIONNE WARWICK WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Daniel Wiley, guest conductor
Dionne Warwick is a five-time Grammy® Award-winning music icon who has earned more than 75 charted hit songs and sold over 100 million records. She recorded 18 consecutive Top 100 singles including “Walk on By,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Alfie,” “Heartbreaker” and “Déjà Vu,” among countless others. She received her first Grammy in 1968 for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” Warwick became the first African-American solo female artist of her generation to win the prestigious award for Best Contemporary Female Vocalist Performance. You simply cannot miss this one special evening with your Kansas City Symphony and Kennedy Center honoree Dionne Warwick.
Film + Live Orchestra
PSYCHO™ IN CONCERT
Tuesday-Wednesday, October 15-16, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Jason Seber, guest conductor
Thanks to Bernard Herrmann’s remarkably inventive strings-only composition, the American Film Institute has ranked the ferocious musical driving force of Psycho among the Top 5 Greatest Film Scores of All Time. Your Kansas City Symphony underscores the emotional tension of the soul-searing plot, as one of the greatest — and most nerve-wracking — films of all time plays on the giant Helzberg Hall screen. Rated R.
Silent Film + Live Organ
NOSFERATU
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Dorothy Papadakos, organ
“Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror” (1922) was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Nearly all copies of the film were destroyed under court order, but one print survived and came to be regarded as a masterpiece. Celebrate Halloween by experiencing this bizarre and chilling silent film classic on the giant Helzberg Hall screen with live thundering accompaniment by organist Dorothy Papadakos on the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ. If you liked last season’s sold-out “Phantom of the Opera” silent film with organ concert, you’ll love “Nosferatu.” Costumes encouraged!
Film + Live Orchestra
DISNEY’S HOCUS POCUS™ IN CONCERT
Friday, October 25, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, October 26-27, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Jacob Joyce, guest conductor
Join your Kansas City Symphony for this magical Halloween romp through Salem. Follow Max, Allison, and Dani as they match wits with the legendary Sanderson sisters. The film stars Bette Midler (Winifred), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sarah) and Kathy Najimy (Mary). Watch this bewitching film on the big screen in Helzberg Hall as the KC Symphony performs the score live. Rated PG.
Film + Live Orchestra
HOME ALONE™ IN CONCERT
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Caleb Young, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus Charles Bruffy, chorus director
A true holiday favorite, this adored comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by your Kansas City Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, “Home Alone” is holiday fun for the entire family! Rated PG.
Sponsored by Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of KCMO
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Friday-Saturday, December 6-7, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Patrick Summers, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Jasmine Habersham, soprano
Chuanyuan Liu, countertenor
Michael McDermott, tenor
Nicholas Newton, bass-baritone
This mosaic of the scriptures remains Handel’s most famous work, and it is one of the most triumphant choral pieces ever written. The impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall together with your Kansas City Symphony and Chorus make this THE Messiah performance of the season! With nearly 150 musicians and inspired special guest vocalists on stage, Messiah is sure to impress and delight you.
Sponsored by Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of KCMO
THE TEXAS TENORS: DEEP IN THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.
Emmy® Award-winners and Billboard No. 1 recording artists the Texas Tenors sleigh ride into town with their heartwarming and touching holiday concert “Deep in the Heart of Christmas.” From seasonal favorites like “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” to the crowd-pleasing original hit “Bootdaddy,” the Texas Tenors bring a unique blend of music to the stage with thrilling harmonies and award-winning arrangements. Bring the whole family and make some new and lasting Christmas memories with the Texas Tenors and your Kansas City Symphony.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Thursday-Friday, December 19-20, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Jason Seber, guest conductor
Dee Daniels, vocalist
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
We’re sending a musical Christmas card to you! Join the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus for this spectacular holiday celebration filled with lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, fresh versions of your favorite carols, and many melodic surprises. Share the spirit of the season with your entire family as you enjoy enchanting performances by the Symphony and Symphony Chorus, plus exciting special guests including an early visit from Santa Claus!
Sponsored by Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of KCMO
Film + Live Orchestra
FROZEN™ IN CONCERT
Monday, December 23, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Watch the magic unfold on the big screen as your Kansas City Symphony performs the score live. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Idina Menzel. Rated PG.
Sponsored by Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of KCMO
Film + Live Orchestra
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE™ IN CONCERT
Wednesday-Friday, January 29-31, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Justin Freer, guest conductor
Relive the film that started it all. Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high definition while your KC Symphony performs John Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this incredibly unique event as Harry, Ron, Hermione, and all your favorite characters return to the screen and enchant the world all over again. Rated PG.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)
Film + Live Orchestra
CASABLANCA™ IN CONCERT
Wednesday-Thursday, February 12-13, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Scott Terrell, guest conductor
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Walk into the Kauffman Center and see the classic Casablanca on the big screen — one of only three films to rack up 11 Oscar nominations! Fall in love with the story of Rick and Ilsa’s romance, the beautiful visuals and your Kansas City Symphony performing Max Steiner’s Oscar-nominated score live in sync with the movie. Film courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Rated PG.
Special Concert Event
CODY FRY WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Friday, February 28, 2025 at 8 p.m.
For one night only, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, composer and arranger Cody Fry brings his unique blend of pop and cinematic classical music to a special collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony. Fry’s “simultaneously familiar and breathtaking” sound (American Songwriter) is likened to the rush of emotion felt the moment your favorite old movie changes from black-and-white to technicolor. Don’t miss this!
Film + Live Orchestra
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON™ IN CONCERT
Friday, March 7, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, March 8-9, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Nicholas Buc, guest conductor
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds, in a thrilling experience for all ages. This acclaimed film is presented in HD in Helzberg Hall with composer John Powell’s Academy Award®-nominated score performed live to film by the Kansas City Symphony. Rated PG.
How To Train Your Dragon© 2010 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Special Concert Event
BEN FOLDS WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Tuesday-Wednesday, March 18-19, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Emmy-award nominated composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist Ben Folds joins your Kansas City Symphony for a night of exceptional performances. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. His latest album, 2023’s “What Matters Most,” is a blend of piano-driven pop rock songs, while his 2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts. For nearly two decades, Folds has performed with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, and currently serves as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
CHRIS THILE WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Eric Jacobsen, guest conductor
Grammy® Award-winning mandolinist and singer/songwriter Chris Thile is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bluegrass bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek. Hailed by the Guardian as “that rare being: an all-round musician who can settle into any style, from bluegrass to classical,” Chris Thile brings his musical genius and artistry to Kansas City for one special evening with the Symphony, weaving story with melody in the most beautiful way.
Film + Live Orchestra
JAWS™ IN CONCERT — 50th ANNIVERSARY!
Thursday-Friday, May 22-23, 2025 at 7 p.m.
“Get out of the water!” The original movie blockbuster, with an Academy Award®-winning score that made John Williams a household name, Jaws is the ultimate film + live orchestra experience. Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley and directed by Steven Spielberg, this masterpiece of suspense tells the tale of a small New England seaside community terrorized by a predatory great white shark during the busiest weekend of the tourist season — the 4th of July. You may need a bigger boat!
